By Maria Merola אריאל
© Copyright Double Portion Inheritance, September 2006
However, (later on), as Yisra’el journeyed through the wilderness, they would face the very same test again, at the very same place. This time, in Numbers 20:1-11, Mosheh was commanded to “speak” to the rock, and not “smite” the rock, as he had done in Exodus 17.
Have you ever asked yourself “Why?” Well, I am going to postulate that the first incident, in Exodus 17, was to illustrate a prophetic picture of our Messiah crucified for the sins of humanity. In Numbers chapter 20, Yisra’el faced the same testing all over again, but they showed that they had not yet circumcised their hearts. The split rock at Horeb is a picture of a circumcised heart:
Yechezqel (Ezekiel) 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh.
Yechezqel (Ezekiel) 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
You will notice in the illustration below, that the split rock of Horeb is meant to look like a circumcised heart. YaHuWaH was trying to show them that their hearts were hard like stone, but that he wanted them to circumcise the foreskin of their hearts.
Debariym (Deuteronomy) 10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.
Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to YHWH, and take away the foreskins of your heart, you men of Yahuwdah (Judah) and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.
Scholars suggest that the “Wilderness of Sin,” and “The Desert of Zin” are at the same location, as seen at this link: Wilderness of Sin & Desert of Zin. For some mysterious reason, “Sin & Zin” are spelled with different Hebrew letters, and we are going to learn the reason why in this study.
Crucifying Messiah All Over Again
The writer of Hebrews uses the illustration of rebellious and stiff-necked Yisra’el in the wilderness, as a lesson to future generations. In the same way that Yisra’el had been given the same test twice (and failed both times), we are warned not to continue in the same hardness of heart as they. If we sin willfully, (after receiving the blood atonement of Yahuwshuwa for our sins), it brings serious consequences:
Ibriym (Hebrews) 10:
26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Mosheh’s Towrah died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much worse punishment, suppose you, shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden underfoot the Son of Elohiym, and has counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that has said, Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense, says YHWH. And again, YHWH shall judge his people.
Ibriym (Hebrews) 6:
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit),
5 And have tasted the good word of Elohiym, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of Elohiym afresh, and put him to an open shame.
The first test in Exodus 17 was meant to show them a future picture of the Messiah, Yahuwshuwa who was that “ROCK.” For it was out of that rock, that “living water,” came forth (John 4:10-11; 7:38).
We are about to see, (right before our eyes), that YaHuWaH is Yahuwshuwa, and that he is “The rod or the branch,” that allowed himself to be “smitten,” for us sinners. YaHuWaH is that “rock,” out of which the “living water” came forth; for he is also the water that gives life! Yahuwshuwa taught us that we must hunger and thirst for righteousness, for only then shall we be filled with his Spirit/Ruwach.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
The First Test in the Wilderness of Sin
Shemoth (Exodus) 17:1 And all the congregation of the children of Yisra’el journeyed from the wilderness of Sin [thorn or clay], after their journeys, according to the commandment of YHWH, and pitched in Rephidim [to comfort, refresh]: and there was no water for the people to drink.
*Note: In the natural, it appeared to be a place where there was no water to drink. They still did not trust that YaHuWaH was for them, and not against them. After they witnessed the ten plagues in Egypt; the redemption of the firstborn by the blood of the lamb; the parting of the Red Sea; and finally, the destruction of Pharaoh and his army; you would think they would have started to trust in YaHuWaH, but they still had an “orphan mentality.”
They did not believe that YaHuWaH was their loving Father who had only good plans for them. This is why the Apostle Shaul (Paul) wrote:
Romiym (Romans) 8:15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage [slavery] again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Paleo pictograph letters for the word “Sin,” are from right to left as follows:
“Nun, Waw & Sin.”
Nun = seed.
Waw = nail.
Sin = thorn.
These three letters spell out a hidden message. Our Messiah is the “seed of the woman,” (Genesis 3:15, Galatians 3:19); and he
allowed himself to be “nailed,” to a tree, for Galatians 3:13 says “Cursed is he that hangs on a tree.” He also took upon himself a crown of “thorns,” (symbolic of the curse of sin). When we are born-again, of his “incorruptible seed,” (1st Peter 1:23), we shall one day be resurrected, and thereby put on immortality as he did.
The Hebrew word “Sin,” as in the name of this wilderness, means “a thorn” or “clay.” It reminds us that YaHuWaH placed humanity under a “curse of thorns and thistles” for the disobedient act of Adam in Genesis 3:18. Adam was created from the “dust” of the earth (clay). Yet, only when YaHuWaH “Breathed into Adam the breath of life,” was he “hydrated” with the “living water.”
In other words, we are nothing more than dried clay, until our Creator speaks life into us, and imparts “living water,” that makes us alive!
The word “Rephidim” in Hebrew comes from a root word that means “to comfort, to refresh, to make a bedspread.”
This all sounds like covenant language, doesn’t it? I mean, doesn’t a bridegroom make a comfortable bed for his beloved to lay down and rest? Here they were, after a long journey in the “wilderness of dried clay and thorns.” In other words, there was nothing but dryness and bareness. They were to be reminded there, that they were nothing without YaHuWaH.
Then, YaHuWaH caused them to pitch a tent in “Rephidim,” which was to remind them that he was going to comfort, and refresh them. However, rather than trust that he had nothing but good intentions for his children, they chose to doubt his goodness, and accuse him of being a negligent Father. Listen to what they say next:
Shemoth (Exodus) 17:
3 And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Mosheh (Moses), and said, Wherefore is this that you have brought us up out of Mitzrayim (Egypt), to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?
4 And Mosheh (Moses) cried unto YHWH, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.
5 And YHWH said unto Mosheh, Go on before the people, and take with you of the elders of Yisra’el; and your rod [branch], wherewith you smote the river, take in your hand, and go.
In Matthew 2:23, it is said of our Messiah that “He shall be called a Nazarene,” which comes from the Hebrew word “netzer.” This word means “a descendant, a green shoot, offspring.” YaHuWaH instructed Mosheh to smite the rock with a branch, or a rod, so that we would recognize Yahuwshuwa as the ultimate deliverer! It’s as if Yah was slapping us upside the head and saying “Pay attention, I am the rock, and I am the branch that allowed myself to be smitten!”
YaHuWaH did not send someone else to do the dirty work for him. It was He, (himself), YaHuWaH, who put on a finite human body of mortal flesh, and came to die for us sinners. In John 14:10-11, Yahuwshuwa revealed his express oneness with the Father, when he made this astonishing statement “I AM in the Father....and the Father that dwells in me, he does the work.”
This declaration explains why YaHuWaH himself said to Mosheh, that he would be standing there with him upon the rock in Horeb! His very presence at the rock in Horeb, was him testifying that he is that rock, out of which came the water, and that he is the rod, or the branch that would cause the water to come forth!
Shemoth (Exodus) 17:
6 Behold, I will stand before you there upon the rock in Horeb; and you shall smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Mosheh did so in the sight of the elders of Yisra’el.
7 And he called the name of the place Massah [temptation, trial, testing], and Meribah [strife, contention, quarreling], because of the chiding of the children of Yisra’el, and because they tempted YHWH, saying, Is YHWH among us, or not?
Now, you might be saying to yourself “Surely, we can understand why they would be crying out for water---water is necessary for survival!” Nobody could blame them (not even YaHuWaH) for being thirsty for water. That is not the issue here, at all. What he blamed them for is their “bad attitude” of doubting, complaining, and ready to accuse YaHuWaH of not caring for his children!
And what was Moses instructed to do? He was instructed to “smite the rock,” as a prophetic picture of the future Messiah, who is the “rock” that would be “smitten” for our sins!
Zecharyahuw (Zechariah) 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, says YHWH of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn my hand upon the little ones.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 26:31 Then said Yahuwshuwa unto them, All you shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
Marqos (Mark) 14:27 And Yahuwshuwa said unto them, All you shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
*Note: The Greek word for “offended” in Matthew & Mark is the “skandalizo,” and it means “to scandalize, to stumble, to be enticed to sin, to trip.”
You see, the disciples were going to go through the same test that night as Yisra’el in the wilderness. They were about to be offended when they saw their master die a gruesome death, and then they would doubt, just like Yisra’el!
The word “Horeb” is a Hebrew word that means “a desolate, parched place.” In the midst of a desolate, and dry place, YaHuWaH brought them water when the “Rock was smitten!”
In other words, he was showing Yisra’el that in order to have our thirst quenched, we must first have our hearts circumcised, so that we can accept his gift of salvation. His salvation includes all the provision that comes with it, which is sustenance for our body, mind, and spirit.
7 And he called the name of the place Massah [temptation, trial, testing], and Meribah [strife, contention, quarreling], because of the chiding of the children of Yisra’el, and because they tempted YHWH, saying, Is YHWH among us, or not?
Now, you might be saying to yourself “Surely, we can understand why they would be crying out for water---water is necessary for survival!” Nobody could blame them (not even YaHuWaH) for being thirsty for water. That is not the issue here, at all. What he blamed them for is their “bad attitude” of doubting, complaining, and ready to accuse YaHuWaH of not caring for his children!
And what was Moses instructed to do? He was instructed to “smite the rock,” as a prophetic picture of the future Messiah, who is the “rock” that would be “smitten” for our sins!
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 26:31 Then said Yahuwshuwa unto them, All you shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
Marqos (Mark) 14:27 And Yahuwshuwa said unto them, All you shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
*Note: The Greek word for “offended” in Matthew & Mark is the “skandalizo,” and it means “to scandalize, to stumble, to be enticed to sin, to trip.”
You see, the disciples were going to go through the same test that night as Yisra’el in the wilderness. They were about to be offended when they saw their master die a gruesome death, and then they would doubt, just like Yisra’el!
The word “Horeb” is a Hebrew word that means “a desolate, parched place.” In the midst of a desolate, and dry place, YaHuWaH brought them water when the “Rock was smitten!”
In other words, he was showing Yisra’el that in order to have our thirst quenched, we must first have our hearts circumcised, so that we can accept his gift of salvation. His salvation includes all the provision that comes with it, which is sustenance for our body, mind, and spirit.
The name of that place was then named Massah & Meribah, because there, Yisra’el was tested. The word “Massah” means “temptation, trial, testing,” and the name “Meribah” means “strife, contention, quarreling.”
The Second Test in the Desert of Zin
Bemidbar (Numbers) 20:
1 Then came the children of Yisra’el, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miryam died there, and was buried there.
2 And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Mosheh (Moses) and against Aharown (Aaron).
3 And the people contended with Mosheh, and spoke, saying, Would Elohiym that we had died when our brethren died before YHWH!
4 And why have you brought up the congregation of YHWH into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?
5 And wherefore have you made us to come up out of Mitzrayim (Egypt), to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.
6 And Mosheh and Aharown (Aaron) went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the Kabod (glory) of YHWH appeared unto them.
7 And YHWH spoke unto Mosheh, saying,
8 Take the rod, and gather you the assembly together, you, and Aharown (Aaron) your brother, and speak you unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and you shall bring forth to them water out of the rock: so you shall give the congregation and their animals drink.
9 And Mosheh took the rod from before YHWH, as he commanded him.
11 And Mosheh and Aharown (Aaron) gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, you rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
11 And Mosheh lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their animals also.
What are we seeing in this account of Mosheh smiting the rock, instead of speaking to the rock? We are seeing a prophetic illustration of the future rebellion of Yisra’el, as they would later on history “smite” the rock, who is Yahuwshuwa the Messiah.
Yisra’el was supposed to have fellowship with YaHuWaH by “speaking” to him in prayer. But rather than speak to him, they instead smote (killed) their Messiah!
The first test was to illustrate for us that our Messiah was to be smitten for us sinners “only once!” See Hebrews 7:27, 9:24-28, 10:10, 10:12, 10:14; and Romans 6:10. If we reject him after his once-and-for-all sacrifice, there remains no more sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 10:26). This means that if we go into eternity, having rejected his blood atonement, there will be no mercy shown to us!
I also want to point out that the name of the place where this second test took place is called “The Desert of Zin,” and it says that they were dwelling in “Kadesh,” which means “holy.” This means they should have been more mature by this point, and walking in holiness. They should not have failed this second test.
The name of this desert “Zin,” means “to prick, a broken rock, a crag.” It is spelled as follows: Tsaday (man on his side, wait, chase, hunt, snare), and Nun (seed). What is the message this time?
The first test showed us a prophetic picture of our Messiah (the seed), who would bear the curse of sin and death with a crown of thorns. It also showed us that he would be nailed to a tree, thus destroying the power of sin. For this second test, he was not going to be gracious to them; for they did not learn their lesson from the last test.
This time, the man laying on his side (tsaday) is a prophetic picture of Satan laying a trap, or a “snare” for them, causing them to remain in unbelief. They were now in danger of allowing the serpent to plant a “seed” of doubt and unbelief in their minds. This is the same thing that happened to Eve in the garden. The word “Zin” means “a broken rock,” and this reminds us of the earthquake that followed, when our Messiah died on the tree. Matthew 27:51 gives the details of an earthquake that followed his death on the tree, causing the rocks to be broken up, and the temple veil to be torn in half from top to bottom.
In Ezekiel 4:6, the prophet was instructed to “lay on his right side” for the captivity of Judah, and to “lay on his left side” for the captivity of Yisra’el (Ephraim). YaHuWaH was trying to show them, that if they remained in unbelief (after all the miraculous signs he had performed for them), they would be chased and hunted down by their enemies, and be taken into captivity again.
And yet, even in their unbelief, the water that gushed out of that rock was a symbol of the future, when Messiah would establish “A Renewed Covenant” with Yisra’el. When Yahuwshuwa, gave up his Ruwach (Spirit), as he died on the tree, a Roman soldier took a spear and pierced him, and out gushed blood and water (John 19:34).
The Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) recognized the same prophetic picture when he referred to that rock as Messiah:
1st Qorintiym (Corinthians) 10:
1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that you should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized (immersed) unto Mosheh in the cloud and in the sea;
3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Mashiyach (Messiah).
5 But with many of them Elohiym was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
Three Elements of Covenant
All throughout the Scriptures, we see YaHuWaH establishing covenant with his created image (mankind), and in every case, we can always three elements present: the Spirit (fire), the water, and the blood.
1st Yahuwchanon (John) 5:6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach (Messiah); not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Ruwach (Spirit) that bears witness, because the Ruwach (Spirit) is truth.
1st Yahuwchanon (John) 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit): and these three are one.
*Note: This verse above only appears in the King James Version, but is removed from all other manuscripts. Some believe that this verse has been added into the text. But careful research shows that this is not the case. Origen of Alexandria (a Gnostic) removed it from the original Briyth Chadashah (New Covenant) writings, because he did not believe that Yahuwshuwa is YaHuWaH manifested in flesh.
Some say that this verse points to Trinitarianism, but I disagree. This verse actually points to the “oneness” of YaHuWaH, and it shows that he is only “three” in function (manifesting in three forms). Yet he is one in essence and substance (only one person).
1st Yahuwchanon (John) 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
What we see in the above verses, is that there are three elements, always present when YaHuWaH establishes covenant. There are three that bear record in Heaven (Father, Word & Holy Spirit) and there are three that bear record on earth (spirit or fire, water, blood).
Yahuwshuwa ha’Mashiych came to renew, the first marriage covenant that was broken between Yisra’el and YaHuWaH because of their idolatry. In Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) 31:31-33, YaHuWaH promised to make a “new” covenant with both houses of Yisra’el (Ephrayim & Yahuwdah). That Hebrew word for “new” is “chadash” which means: “to renew, repair and rebuild.”
Not only did Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach renew the marriage covenant with Yisra’el, but he also sealed it with his own blood:
This was a fulfillment of Daniel 9:27:
“…and he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week...”
The covenant was “confirmed” during the seven-day Passover week as well as during the last seven years of “Daniel’s 70th Week” prophecy. There have been many covenants made between YaHuWaH and his covenant people throughout history, and Messiah came to confirm them all with his blood.
Let’s take a look at the various covenants in Scripture to see the elements present:
Adamic Covenant:
1.) Spirit: Moved upon the deep; YHWH breathed his spirit into Adam (Genesis 2:7).
2.) Water: Waters were divided (separated) in the firmament; a separation (Genesis 1:6-9).
3.) Blood: Animal slain for a covering for Adam & Eve as the first sacrifice (Genesis 3:21, 4:4).
Noahide Covenant:
1.) Spirit: Noah led by the Spirit to build the ark (Genesis 6:9, 13-22; Hebrews 11:7).
2.) Water: The flood separated the sinners from the righteous (Genesis 7).
3.) Blood: Sacrifices performed; unclean animals by 2 in ark, clean animals for sacrifices by 7’s (Genesis 8:20-21).
Mosaic Covenant in Egypt: (Salvation)
1.) Spirit: Congregation led by the Spirit (cloud by day, pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21).
2.) Water: Red Sea, separation of sinners from the covenant people; sinners destroyed, righteous delivered (Exodus 14).
3.) Blood: Passover, the blood of the lamb on doorposts
redeemed the first born of Yisra’el (Exodus 12).
Mosaic Covenant at Horeb: (Sanctification)
1.) Spirit: Dwelled in the Tabernacle in the Holy of Holies (1st Kings 8:6-11).
2.) Water: Priests washed in the Bronze Laver “lest they die” (Exodus 30:18-20).
3.) Blood: The Brazen Altar; animal sacrifices for sin and repentance (Exodus 29:35-37).
Yahuwchanan (John) the Immerser:
1.) Spirit: Led by the Spirit, one would come after him immersing with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11, Ezekiel 37:25-37, John 1:29-33).
2.) Water: Preached repentance (teshuva) and immersed in water; Immersed Yahuwshuwa (Matthew 3:5-9, 13-17).
3.) Blood: A Levite who sprinkled blood, preached “behold the lamb of Elohiym who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29, Matthew 3:5-10).
The Ministry of Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach (Messiah):
1.) Spirit: Spirit descended on Him as a dove; He is the one who immerses in the Spirit and fire; He sent the Spirit to instruct and equip the set-apart ones (John 1:31-33, Acts 2:1-4, 1:2,3).
2.) Water : Immersed by John to “fulfill all righteousness.” commanded disciples (talmudim) to also immerse in water (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 16:16, Matthew 28:19).
3.) Blood: The Lamb of Elohiym sprinkled his own blood on the mercy seat for us (Hebrews 10:29; 12:24); Died as the Passover Lamb and the Red Heifer (for Ephraim & Yahudah); became the permanent sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:10-19, Mark 1:15, Luke 13:3).
Prophetic Picture of Future Marriage Supper:
1.) Spirit: Messiah does his first miracle at the wedding of Cana under the anointing of the Holy Spirit (John 2:1-11).
2.) Water: Yahuwshuwa commanded that the servants fill 6 waterpots (symbolic of human vessels; mankind created on the 6th day); Water a picture of being filled with the living water (John 2:6-8, 4:10-11, 7:38).
3.) Blood: The sign of the Renewed Covenant is blood symbolic of the wine (Matthew 26:28, Genesis 49:11; Isaiah 63:3; Revelation 14:20).
The Death of Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach on the Tree:
1.) Spirit: Committed his spirit into the hands of the Father (Luke 23:46).
2.) Water: Out of his side came water (John 19:34).
3.) Blood: Out of his side came blood (John 19:34).
The Natzariym Yahudiym (Jewish) Apostles:
1.) Spirit: Received the immersion of the Holy Spirit & fire evidenced by tongues of fire (Acts 2:1-18; Joel 2:28-32; John 14:14-26).
2.)Water: All followers of Yahuwshuwa Messiah were commanded to be immersed in his name in water; represents death to the “old man” and being raised to new life (Acts 2:38; 8:12; 10:48; 19:5,1, 6:31-33, 21:16, Romans 6:1-18, 1st Peter 3:20-21).
3.) Blood: Preached the perfect eternal sacrifice of the Son of Elohiym; Repentance or perish (Hebrews 5:9, John 3:16, Acts 20:28).
Ministry of the Two Witnesses:
1.) Spirit: If any man tries to harm them “fire” (spirit) proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies; they prophesy under the unction of the Holy Spirit for 1,260 days (Revelation 11).
2.) Water: They turn waters to blood (Revelation 11:6). They have power over the rain until the days of their prophesy is finished.
3.) Blood: They turn waters to blood (Revelation 11:6).
The Second Coming of Messiah:
1.) Spirit: Before the Dreadful day of YHWH, there will be signs in the heavens and in the earth of blood, fire (spirit), and smoke (water vapour). (Joel 2:30, Acts 2:19). The Spirit and the Bride say “come Yahuwshuwa” (Revelation 22:17).
2.) Water: Angel turns waters into blood (Revelation 16:4); His voice was like many waters (Revelation 19:6) He gives of the fountain water of life freely (Revelation 21:6; 22:1).
3.) Blood: The winepress of the wrath of YHWH (Revelation 14:20); Waters turned to blood (Revelation 8:8, 16:4); Blood of the prophets shed (Revelation 16:6, 17:6,18:24); Blood of the saints avenged at the second coming of Messiah (Revelation 19:2); Messiah clothed in a vesture dipped in blood (Revelation 19:13).
Now we can see, that the sacrifices conducted by Mosheh were a picture of the future Renewed Covenant:
Ibriym (Hebrews) 9:19 For when Mosheh (Moses) had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book (the spirit of the Towrah), and all the people.
Who is the Rock of Your Salvation?
2nd Shemuw’el (Samuel) 22:47 YHWH lives; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the Elohiym of the rock of my salvation.
Tehilliym (Psalm) 18:2 YHWH is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my Elohiym, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Tehilliym (Psalm) 18:46 YHWH lives; and blessed be my rock; and let the Elohiym of my salvation be exalted.
Rock of the Church?
In Matthew 24:5, Messiah gave us a warning of how to identify false prophets. “Many shall come in my name, saying I am Messiah; and shall deceive many.” The Roman Catholic Institution teaches a false “Rock,” and a false gospel by purporting that Messiah gave the Apostle Keefa (Peter) the role of “The Rock of the Church.”
Keefa (Peter) had received a revelation from the Father that Yahuwshuwa is “The Mashiyach” or “The Messiah” (Matthew 16:16). This revelation became the very foundation upon which Yahuwshuwa built his assembly of believers. Listen to what he said concerning this “revelation” that Keefa had received:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 16:17: “And I say unto you, that you are Keefa (Petros, Cephas, a little stone), and upon this rock (Petra, Boulder) I will build my assembly; and the gates of hell (Gehenna) shall not prevail against it.”
Yahuwshuwa was saying here that the “rock” or foundation of his congregation was this revelation that Keefa had just received, about him being the Mashiyach (Messiah). Yet, the Roman Catholic Church misinterprets this verse and falsely teaches that Yahuwshuwa had made Peter the “rock” or foundation of his congregation.
And thus, they build further on this deception and say that Keefa (Peter) was the first “pope.” Peter had never even been to Rome, but rather he was called to preach to the Yahuwdiym (Jews), while the Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) was called to preach to the Romans and the Gentiles.
The name “Peter” in Greek is “petros” meaning “a pebble or a little stone, a piece of a rock.” Yahuwshuwa renamed him from Shimone (Simon) to Keefa (Peter) to signify that he was a little pebble being added to his “foundation stone.”
The Greek word for “foundation stone” in is translated “petra.”
The word “rock” in Matthew 16:17 means “foundation stone.”
That “rock” or “revelation” (foundation) is that “Yahuwshuwa is the Messiah,” and the pebble was Keefa (Peter) being added to this foundation---his congregation.
One could accurately read this verse as Yahuwshuwa saying this to Keefa:
“Shimone BarYownah (Simon, son of Jonah), you are a little stone, (petros or Keefa) and upon this foundation stone that I am the Messiah (petra or rock) I am building my congregation.”
Here Yahuwshuwa illustrates two different foundations:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 7:
24 Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
24 Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
An illustration can be seen here of what happens when we take our eyes off of Yahuwshuwa, who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). As we can see, Keefa (Peter) had a moment of faith, where his eyes were fixed on Messiah, and he could walk on water.
However, as soon as he took his eyes off of Yahuwshuwa, he began to sink. Yahuwshuwa then grabbed him by the arm, and saved him from drowning. It was the very same
However, as soon as he took his eyes off of Yahuwshuwa, he began to sink. Yahuwshuwa then grabbed him by the arm, and saved him from drowning. It was the very same
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 14:
28 And Keefa (Peter) answered him and said, Master, if it be you, bid me come unto you on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Keefa (Peter) was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Yahuwshuwa.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Master, save me.
31 And immediately Yahuwshuwa stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O you of little faith, wherefore did you doubt?
I am beginning to see a very troubling thing happen within the Hebraic Root’s community. Some people are taking their eyes off of Yahuwshuwa as the Messiah, just like Keefa did and their faith is becoming shipwrecked.
I see some who are beginning to deny the deity of Yahuwshuwa. They are denying that he is YaHuWaH manifested in the flesh, and then they begin to deny that he is also Messiah.
Once this happens, they no longer have the revelation of what the Towrah is all about. The Towrah is our “schoolmaster,” that is meant to bring us to Messiah (Galatians 3:24-25). Christians often-times think this means that once we believe in Messiah, that we no longer need the Towrah.
The Towrah is our “blueprint,” that helps us see an accurate picture of Messiah, so that we will not be deceived by an imposter. When people take their eyes off of Yahuwshuwa as the Messiah, and then they read the Towrah without him, the veil goes back up over their eyes, and they begin to read the Towrah only in the “letter,” instead of reading the Towrah with a revelation of him. This is why it is crucial that we keep our eyes upon Yahuwshuwa who alone is the author and finisher of our faith:
Ibriym (Hebrews) 12:2 Looking unto Yahuwshuwa, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the Taw (stauros, cross), despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of Elohiym.
There is only ONE foundation that Yahuwshuwa has built his true congregation upon, and that is the “ROCK” or “revelation” which declares that “Yahuwshuwa is the Messiah.” Any other foundation is a false foundation that will not stand in “The Day of Judgment.”
The Catholic Catechism had undermined this very foundation of truth for which Yahuwshuwa has built his one true congregation upon. That congregation is not a man-made, visible organization with a label or a title known to man. The “one true congregation” are the followers of Yahuwshuwa ha’Mashiyach who will respond to the Holy Spirit’s call:
“Come out of her my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4).
The Roman Catholic Catechism teaches that every pope is a successor of Peter the Apostle, and that the papacy is “The rock of the Christian Church.” That is why he is called “The Roman Pontiff” which means “The bridge.” Each pope erroneously teaches that he is the bridge between Elohiym and mankind, and that it is only through submission to the papacy that salvation can be found.
The Roman Catholic Catechism teaches that every pope is a successor of Peter the Apostle, and that the papacy is “The rock of the Christian Church.” That is why he is called “The Roman Pontiff” which means “The bridge.” Each pope erroneously teaches that he is the bridge between Elohiym and mankind, and that it is only through submission to the papacy that salvation can be found.
1st Qorintiym (Corinthians) 3:10-11 “According to the grace of Elohiym which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach.”
YaHuWaH clearly tells us that the “rock” or foundation stone which the master builder has built his congregation upon is Yahuwshuwa the Messiah! He says that there is no other foundation that “man” can lay down.
1st Qorintiym (Corinthians) 10:4 “….And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Mashiyach.”
Once again, there is only ONE ROCK…..Yahuwshuwa ha’Mashiyach!
The Catholic Religion has a different foundation than what our Messiah, Yahuwshuwa has built upon by claiming that Peter the Apostle is the “rock” of the Church rather than Yahuwshuwa Messiah. This false foundation will ultimately lead to one place:
Total Destruction!
Listen to what our Messiah said about the man who built his house on sand (a weak and false foundation):
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 7:27 “….and great was the fall of it.”
Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) 21:9 And, behold, here comes a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he has broken unto the ground.
Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) 51:8 Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.
Chazown (Revelation) 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
Chazown (Revelation) 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
Which “rock” have you built your house upon?
Is Yahuwshuwa ha’Mashiyach your rock?
Or do you believe the lie that Peter is the “rock” of the church, hence the pope your rock?
In one of his final warnings to the Kingdom of Yahuwdah (Judah), our Messiah uttered a prophetic judgement for their rejection of him as “The Rock.”
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 21:
42 Yahuwshuwa said unto them, Did you never read in the Scriptures, “The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is YHWH’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?”
43 Therefore, say I unto you, The Kingdom of Elohiym shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
It is better for us to fall upon his mercy, and allow ourselves to be broken over our own sin. For it we refuse to humble ourselves, he will be the rock that crushes us into powder.
Ephsiym (Ephesians) 2:19 Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the qadowshiym (saints), and of the household of Elohiym;
Ephsiym (Ephesians) 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahuwshuwa ha’Mashiyach himself being the chief corner stone.
Great teaching and encouragement.
ReplyDelete